The tavern in Elderslie camp should have been called the “Brawler’s Trap” rather than the “Trawler’s Gap”. Merlidan Alsk sat nursing her Corellian ale as yet another fight broke out between two young men. “We don’t need those Jedi morons out here. I left the core to get away from those jerks!”

“Jerks? Have you seen what a Jedi can do?” the other man said as he tried to connect a right swing of his fist to his opponent’s face.

The first guy ducked, “They’ve got those stupid light swords. Nothing beats a blaster.” He shifted to deliver an upper cut.

The second man fell back against a wooden table top which made the drinks on the table topple over and spill. This of course infuriated the patrons at that particular table and the fight turned quickly into a brawl.

Already Merlidan could feel her hackles rise. She wanted to join the fray but quite frankly she was already nursing a sprained wrist and sore jaw from her last fight.

She moved to a far corner where a dark stranger sat draped in a robe. “Mind if I join you?” she asked in her most non-threatening tone.

BFFC ModeratorIt was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...

Mir sat at a small table in the corner of the Trawler's Gap tavern, awaiting his contact. He had been planetside for two days, and already he could see the storms of a civil war brewing. Mir watched as a heated conversation at the bar escalated into a fist fight, then into a full blown cantina brawl. He sighed and returned his attention to the datapad in front of him, checking the status of his ship's cargo. It was currently docked on Atzerri with three crates of Aratech carbines already onboard, and five crates of Czerka blaster rifles ready to load.

Mir was browsing the various cargo hold cameras of his ship when a plainly dressed woman walked over to his table.

"Mind if I join you?"

Mir shrugged. "By all means." He discretely tucked the datapad under the heavy hooded rain cloak he was wearing. "These fights seem to be happening more and more often."

The woman took the chair, cracking her knuckles after she sat. "You're not from around here, are you?"

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Merlidan swirled the contents of her glass. “There’s been a lot of in-fighting going on since the start of colonisation. Initially it started with us human colonists when we found out about the kubaz colonists.”

The newcomer scratched his chin, “I had heard there were kubaz here.”

Merlidan continued, “Yeah they’ve got an underground nest about 40 kilometres west of here. Generally I try and stay out of their way if they venture into town but a lot of the other people here have an itch to fight.”

The brawling behind them was starting to quieten down due to the fact that a few of them had been knocked unconscious.

“So what’s your occupation?” the stranger asked.

Merlidan smiled into her glass. “Procurement Specialist, I buy in all the parts for our freighters and mining equipment and you?”

The stranger smiled, “I’m in the procurement business myself. But I don’t like to go into details, much too boring.”

Merlidan laughed but deep down she hoped that this stranger was not going to be a rival in the company. She didn’t need any more funny business. Merlidan extended her hand, “I’m Merlidan Alsk, and you are?”

“Mir,” the stranger said simply as he shook her hand.

Merlidan raised a brow at the lack of surname, or perhaps that was his surname. She didn’t push though. Generally pushy people copped a fist to the face.

“Did I hear a mention of Jedi coming?” Mir asked.

Merlidan curled her lip, “Yeah, they’re supposed to be coming to settle the disputes between all colonists.”

“You sound sceptical,” Mir pointed out.

Merlidan smirked, “I think they’re much too late for that. There’s too much bad blood that can’t just be wiped away with a simple sorry.”

As if to emphasize her point, a patron landed flat on his back upon their table top. Merlidan laughed, “Exhibit A.”

BFFC ModeratorIt was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Name: Lieutenant Rendon CorsGender: MaleSpecies: HumanAge: 34Appearance: Wears the trademark reflective silver armor of a Sith trooper. Cors is muscular in build and bears the look of a seasoned veteran when his face isn’t obscured by a black visor. He has short black hair, brown eyes, and a jaw line that is almost as intimidating as his military-issued helmet.Weapons: Blaster Carbine, vibroblade, and a couple frag grenades.

The Sith Empire was a force to be feared throughout the galaxy. Its undying thirst for power and conquest left system after system ravaged and torn by Malak and Revan. The troopers, though often considered expendable by the Lords and Acolytes commanding them, were an appropriate addition to the Empire that posed a threat to the Jedi Knights that had defended the galaxy for thousands of years. Their tactics often proved to be as ruthless and destructive as the dark side itself.

Lieutenant Cors was no exception to this description. A former Republic soldier, the years of the Civil War had hardened him into a strict and efficient leader. He had been offered promotions several times, but Cors preferred commanding small platoons of men he trusted. Plus, most troopers knew that in the Sith army, rising through the ranks could be treacherous since superiors often did not take kindly to failure or disappointment.

Currently Cors had been stationed on a Sith outpost on one of Balkest’s moons. He and three other soldiers made up an away-team to collect supplies and intel planetside. It was expected to be a simple mission.

“Grayner,” said Cors as they strode through the market square. “Who is this contact of yours again?”

Corporal Grayner looked up from his datapad. Cors saw his own helmet reflected back at him in Grayner’s visor creating an endless, black doorway of mirrors.

“It was Meer… Mur, maybe? I forget. But he’s a friend of a friend. We can trust him. Plus he’s got loads of those Czerka rifles and I know you won’t turn those down.”

Cors turned his attention back to the market. Civilians gave the four soldiers an extremely wide berth and several individuals disappeared entirely on seeing who they were. Cors excused his Corporal’s informality. The man had proven himself to the Lieutenant on more than one occasion. Grayner also happened to be right. He knew his commanding officer wouldn’t turn down decent weapons at that price.

Cors glanced behind them to where Davies and Jayce, the former being the only female, were nervously trotting along. The two fresh recruits could barely hold a blaster let alone use it, but Cors knew that they needed the experience. Davies also had a knack for languages, which was invaluable to a group of soldiers who could only speak Basic.

A cautious man himself, Cors, unaware of the approaching Jedi, saw little to worry about venturing into Elderslie. Balkest was about as far as you get away from a hostile planet and the inhabitants seemed docile enough when human-colonist tensions weren’t flaring up.

As if the Force wished to contradict the Lieutenant’s thoughts, Grayner suddenly pointed out some commotion up ahead.

“Sir, look.”

Cors glanced over to where three ruffians had a frightened Kubaz backed up against a wall. The insectivore was just a child by the looks of it.

“Filthy Kubazian piece of fodder!” one of them was saying. “You should have just told you and your family to go back where you came from. The other two humans produced a vibroblade and a stun rod.

“What’s going on here?” demanded Cors in an authoritative tone.

The one who had spoken turned around and his expression fell when he found himself face-to-face with four Sith troopers.

“Uh, we were just talking to our friend here. Right fellas?”

His two companions nodded in agreement. One of them had a solid grip on the Kubaz’s shoulder to keep it from escaping. The creature kept squeaking despairingly clearly just wanting to go home.

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Name: Pip NortonGender: MaleSpecies: HumanAge: 38Occupation: MinerAppearance: Average height, black hair in a buzz cut. Wears brown coveralls and a faded black long sleeved shirt.Weapons: Has various blades stashed in the pockets of his coveralls but much prefers a fist fight.

Pip Norton knew there was no such thing as a quiet drink in the Trawler’s Gap but then he was sporting enough irritation that he’d happily join the punch up.

Langer and Weston who had come in before him were already unconscious on the floor. “Jerks can’t hold their own,” Pip muttered to himself as he purposely trode on both of the mens fingers as he passed. Neither man stirred.

Pip pounded a meaty fist on the bar, “Drink,” he growled at the bar tender.

A glass of a foul brown liquid was heavily laid before Pip. “The usual,” the bar tender said as he scampered away.

Pip downed the brew in one long chug. Slammed the glass down and wiped his mouth and jaw. “Now then, who wants a busted lip?” he snarled to himself as he headed to the brawl.

Genn looked over his data pad once more. He was reading the details of both the Kubaz and the human colonies. He wanted all the information he could get to assist in negotiations. He knows from years of negotiating experience that any and all possible bits of data could prove instrumental.

Jedi Master Ostace is known to the Jedi community as 'The Negotiator'. He has gained this reputation from years of being sent to planets just like Balkest, and solving problems without ever igniting his lightsaber. For a time he would leave his saber behind, for the ultimate test and show of intention. The council put a stop to that when they caught word, ensuring that Genn should use the utmost caution in all endevours.

Genn's Jedi starfighter finally touched down in the ragged star port that Elderslie camp made use of, the auto dock feature disengaged with a click. Gen stuffed the datapad in his cloak while the cockpit shield lifted. He eased out of his ship, and a star port attendant appeared next to him at the top of a step ladder.

"Greetings master Jedi. We've received your preliminary report and have been awaiting your arrival. Accomodations for two star fighters were made however..." The attendant said in a droll, very bored voice as he looked around for a second Jedi.

"No need my friend, i'm sorry I couldn't relay this update ahead, but my apprentice will not be joining me at this time." Genn said as he walked down the step ladder.

"Ah...very well then. Any living accomodations can be requested through me, can I help you with anything else Master Ostace?" The attendant said, stepping down from the little stairs and guiding Genn down.

"No I think i'll be fine for now. If I do, i'll be sure to contact you." Genn said with a smile and nod. The attendant nodded off and walked away. Genn stepped down and his booted foot crunched down onto the grey dust of Balkest, he was instantly jolted with dark energy.

How had he not sensed this before? Had no one noticed this? A very odd dark side pressence was pulsating all around, and he was unprepared. His hand slid off his saber, the odd pressence unnaturally making him go for his weapon. He withdrew his datapad and made note of this planets dark energy, it would have to be investigated further.

For now, Genn walked out of the starport and into the camp, a molty town with the buzz of angry inhabitants. It was as if everyone had just lost alot of credits on a bet, but that animosity hung around at all times. It was clear this wasn't going to be a simple matter of negotiations... something was making these people extra aggressive. Were the Kubaz suffering the same condition?

Before visiting the Kubaz, Genn wanted to see the camp overseer, Trask Heyurk. From what Genn had read, Trask appeared the type of man more worried about the mining operations on the planet than anything else. His greed may have to be satisfied if any negotiations are to be successful.

Genn stopped a passing human, "Excuse me miss, would you mind telling me where I can find Trask Heyurk?"

The woman whipped around, her face barely holding back a light shock as she looked Genn up and down.

"Jedi?" She asked warily.

"Yes, I am Jedi Master Ostace, I'm here to see Trask Heyurk, the overseer? Do you know where I can find him?"

The woman scanned him up and down again, then glanced around quickly as if expecting an attack. She looked back at Genn then pointed to a three floor building a few blocks from the star port.

"Thank you, have a nice day miss." Genn said, and recieved no reply. The woman simply watched as Genn strode down the turbulent streets of Elderslie, a gem of peace among rocks of anger. She had seen the Sith team walking through town earlier, it was clear that Master Genn, had not.

Est Sularus Oth MithasI am a Role Playing Gamer, like my father before me.

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

With the toe of her boot, Merlidan kicked the man off the table top. He grunted and turned on her the moment he hit the floor.

Merlidan stood up, “I just love a big strong man who’s not afraid to show it on someone half his size.”

The man seemed to think twice and rolled over and up. He was slammed by a man Merlidan recognized as Pip. “Oh I think it’s time to leave,” she said to Mir. She knew that Pip had one of the worst tempers in the colony.

Mir shook his head, “I’ll stay a bit longer.”

Merlidan shrugged, “Suit yourself.”

Using the back door, Merlidan made it to the alleyway. A street urchin stuck out his hand for anything she might care to give him. “You gotta make it worth my while kid.”

He scratched his dirty mattered locks, “I ‘eard the Sith are here.”

Merlidan raised a brow at that. “Sounds like a load of hog wash to me.”

The urchin shrugged a skinny shoulder. “I never said it was true.”

Merlidan shook her head, “Try the spaceport, someone might drop you a crumb over there.”

The urchin scowled but said no more. Merlidan was making her way to her quarters when her comm chimed. “What is it, Drymes?”

“Order 546 just came in, invoice has been transferred to your terminal and the space monkeys won’t hand over the cargo until you approve payment.” Drymes informed her.

Merlidan let out a sigh, “Fine I’m on my way to the office.”

BFFC ModeratorIt was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Pip was having a great time. Sure he’d suffered a few hard blows to the kidneys and his gut but it wasn’t anything he wasn’t used to. He spat out a mouthful of blood on the floor and laughed darkly as his opponent spat out a tooth.

Unfortunately his opponent seemed to lose his fire along with his tooth. It might have also been due to the arrival of the hired muscle that walked in the door. The security detail was something of a joke but Pip didn’t fancy getting a stun blaster bolt to the butt.

Instead Pip made his way to the bar and glared at the bar tender until a drink appeared before him. “Put it on my tab,” Pip sneered, he knew the tender was afraid of him. That was why the guy never bothered to chase up Pip’s debt.

Settling down on a bar stool, Pip waited to see what the security detail was up to.

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Mir watched as Merlidan evaded a few drunken punches and slipped out the back door. He promptly checked the the datapad he'd tucked away when the woman sat down. There were two messages: one from his supplier Grimaldus, a Mando ex-mercenary and possibly his best friend. The second was from Corporal Grayner, the customer, informing him of their arrival and confirming the meeting.

"I'll just call you back." Mir tapped the call request icon. In a few brief moments the scarred image of a hardened, but gleeful Mando Merc appeared on screen. "Su cuy'gar ner'vod!""Su'cuy! I hear you've got some nice hardware for me?""Indeed I do, and it is indeed. Those new Aratech carbines are top notch, unissued.""And the rifles?""They were arsenal refinished by Czerka and have improved power packs with heavy chambers.""You have yet to steer me wrong, Grim.""Hey, it's me. Anyway, your ship is prepped and ready, nav is logged. Should be taking off within the hour.""Alright thanks, catch you later, vod.""Ret."

Mir closed the call, slinking his way around the crowd of drunken miscreants and out the back door to the alley. He promptly sent a message to Corporal Greyner, indicating his new location. Mir leaned against the worn duracrete wall of the cantina, and waited.

Tal made his way off of the transport. How he hated public transport, too damn crowded for someone his size. He promised himself that after this job he'd get himself his own transport. He continued walking until he met an Ubese, the man stopped Tal. "Alit ori'shya ti'din." Tal made a getsure with his hands. The ubese nodded and took Tal to an alley where a single door stood at the end. The Ubese knocked and a small slide in the door opened, two eyes staring coldly out of it. The Ubese replicated tal's previous gesture and the door opened. A human male stepped forward and handed the Ubese a small package with a note. The two whispered fervently to one another before the human stepped back inside. The Ubese turned around to face Tal and then handed Tal the package. "Take this to a man named Far'guut in dock 14. Best of luck to you brother." With that the Ubese went inside leaving Tal outside. "Guess I gotta do this myself."

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Cors looked into the shining goggles of the tormented Kubaz. The pitiful creature not only feared for his life, he feared for the livelihood of all his people. Colonization had made this group wary and fearful. It all made the lieutenant’s mouth water.

The away team set off again as the three boys dragged away the helpless Kubaz. They were outside the market area now. This less crowded part of the camp had less activity, but just as many suspicious glances.

“The Kubaz should just all be eradicated,” Grayner was saying. “Disgusting creatures. What do you call something that eats filth anyway?”

“Resourceful?” Joyce put in hopefully.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Private,” snapped Grayner.

“Corporal,” said Cors cutting off the banter, not that he minded. “How far is the tavern?”

“Just up this street, sir,” he responded consulting his datapad. “The dealer says he’s in the alleyway now.”

Sure enough, when the four troopers turned the corner, Mir was waiting for them. He was tall, dressed in black and had a smiling, accommodating look on his face.

“Jayce, Davies,” said Cors addressing his privates. “We’ll handle this. Stay by the entrance and alert us if anything unusual arises.”

“Excellent,” said Cors smirking behind his helmet. “Maybe that attitude will encourage you to answer my next question. I need information. Do you know anything at all that might benefit the Sith Empire in regards to Balkest?”

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Name: DeluinSpecies: Kubaz MaleAppearance/description etc.: Cloak and goggles when on surface. Basic garb of the Kubaz. A regular miner in the hive. Weapons: Mining tools.

Deluin was returning from the miner’s supply, where the Kubaz routinely purchased the things that needed to be brought in from off world. It would have been heresy and imprudent for the off-worlders and their ships to be allowed to dock with in the hive and its mine proper, but they were necessary in these times if they were going to survive. So the Kubaz had let in a few outsiders to do business with the colony.

He was about half way back to his quarters in the hive with the rest of the miners when Deluin heard the shouts of a Kubaz youngling. Three ruffians were literally dragging it from the main street. Some official looking guy, who and what, Deluin wasn’t sure, was walking away from the scene. He caught the eye of the official who was sneering with glee.

It was too much.

Deluin grabbed his vibro-pick, dropping the other few supplies to the ground. He ran after the youngling, following the poor things cries for help. Deluin slammed right into the group of humans, and they fell to the ground. Shocked they let go of the Kubaz Youngling.

“Stay away from US!” He shouted at the men. “ Don’t come any closer!” But, to no avail, as this was all in Kubazian. The humans let out a roar of contemptuous laughter as they got up from the dirt. The youngling scrambled behind Deluin, still on the ground, terrified and whimpering.

“This beast thinks he can better us!” More laughter. And the one in the middle took the two steps closer to Deluin, and shoved him backwards. “Ha you’re no match, filthy digger.”

While he might not have been able to speak the human’s words, he sure understood them.

“The only use you have,” the man continued, “is to….die.” His companions high fived behind him.

Deluin swung. As he removed his vibro-pick from the skull of the human, he let loose a loud noise. There was brain on Deluin’s goggles, and blood splattered all over the human’s companions. The was a dark pool staining the ground. Deluin swung again, and this time lodged the tool deep into the chest. Blood spurted up from the wound, all over Deluin.

Horrified the two men, stood there, expressions of shock on their faces. Finally it connected, and they turned and ran.

Deluin stood there a long moment, his chest heaving in anger and violence. Blood dripped off his face and goggles, only to land back on the body, dead, laying on the ground. Finally he used his sleeve to wipe some of it off his face and goggles and turned to the youngling behind him.

“ It’s all ok now youngling. It is safe. You are safe.” Sensing the apprehension in the child, he continued on, “I didn’t want to have to kill him. But he would have killed you. He wanted all of Us dead.” The youngling gave a look, and simple said. “I understand.”

“Lets get you back home.” With that Deluin offered his hand to the child and it was accepted and so they walked back to the hive with out further incident.

Meat is murder...... tasty tasty murder."Suggestion: Electrocution works well. Evisceration and Decapitation are also effective, or um, so I've heard."

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

"Anything?" Mir looked down at his datapad for a moment, then back at Cors. "Are you aware the Republic has sent Jedi Peacekeepers here in an attempt to squelch the conflict between the miners?"

"Foolish. Only the Jedi would be dim-witted enough to endeavor on such a futile mission."

"Even a handful of Jedi couldn't make this problem go away, which is why I plan to worsen things for them, if you don't mind." Mir stifled a grin. "It's in my job description, after all."

"Yes. Your information may prove useful, the Sith Empire thanks you for your patronage." Cors nodded and turned. "One more detail, when shall I expect those rifles?"

Mir tapped the screen on his datapad. "They're in transit, I'll say tomorrow around oh-nine-hundred."

"Excellent. Carry on."

Mir watch as the troopers promptly regrouped and walked back into the streets before beginning the moderately long walk back the his apartment. He duly noted the blaster supply shop located at the end of his street as a possible business prospect. Mir gazed up and down the apartment block as he walked to his room, seeing the effects of constant overcast and rain; a thick green moss grew in most of the exterior cracks and crevices of the duracrete walls, accompanied by algae and mold. The rooms, however, with comfortable enough. Built in dehumidifiers and geothermal heating units kept the apartments livable, and inexpensive. He entered the apartment, sealing the door behind him, unsure of how things would look in the near future. The coming war would wipe out half the city, he knew it.

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Merlidan threaded her way through the streets with relative ease. She was somewhat surprised when a couple of men went tearing by her screaming bloody murder. Merlidan frowned, deciding that the guys had probably drunk too much and lost a fight.

There were times when Merlidan longed for a quiet day, mainly when she was underground, however in the thick of things it was hard not to get caught up in the chaos.

Strangely the dark fog that seemed to emotionally suppress Merlidan waned as she drew closer to the office. The emotional weight that had been pressing down on her seemed to lift and Merlidan felt a sense of tranquillity that had eluded her since her arrival on Balkest.

Ahead of her she saw a man dressed in the typical robes of a Jedi. Merlidan raised a brow. The Jedi were creatures of the light, could it be that the turmoil of Balkest had become so intense that it was almost a tangible force of its own?

To test the theory, Merlidan moved closer to the Jedi’s presence and strangely enough her mood improved with it.

BFFC ModeratorIt was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Tal had finished the job and began heading back to the safehouse for his payment. As he made his way through the alleyways he pondered about possibly working as a mercenary. Perhaps for the Sith, as he'd heard they'd been in town. But first he'd need a new weapon his ACP Array gun was in desperate need of repair. Walking through he noticed a dead human male on the ground down another alley to his right, turning a blind eye he continued back to the safehouse. he headed backinto the marketplace briefly then headed down the small alley to the safehouse. He then knocked on the door. The slide once again slid open and the same two cold eyes stared out at Tal, He replicated the same hand gesture as before and the door swung open "Alit ori'shya ti'din" the man mumbled." The same Ubese stepped across the room and handed Tal his payment. "Vor entye, brother. Is there anywhere nearby that i could get afew weapons at a discount, perhaps some repairs?" The Ubese smiled at Tal."Allow me a moment please." The Ubese replied, then walked into a back room. Stepping back out he handed Tal a comm device."There is a friend of ours who goes by the name of Mir.You" pointing to the man by the door. "If you would be so kind as to fetch Su cuy'gar ner'vod for me. Not to worry Tal we will make some calls and you will have yourself those weapons but do not forget that there will subsequent payment" The Ubese held out his hand and grinned voraciouisly. Tal handed the Ubeses his previous payment. "I'm afraid I'll need abit more brother." Tal handed him the rest of his earnings. "This better be worth it" Tal growled. With that he took a seat and waited.

Broken goods. All Ja'tka was, all everyone on this damn rock was. It certainly wasn't as hot as the dustball on which he had become what he was, but it was, if possible, more desolate. On Tatooine, the sands ruled all. Here, it was less obvious. Booze probably. Ja'tka was trying to get drunk now, as a matter of fact. A short mechanical straw sprung from his jaw-plate(just because he was broken goods didn't mean he had to have a hard time drinking), and he inserted it into the glass of....something. He didn't care much what it was he was drinking, all that mattered was that it was strong. This world for some reason brought back memories. Of heat. Things he didn't want to recall. Perhaps it was his lack of employment, bringing back the hot air, the pain he suffered. He needed an escape from the utter boredom he was suffering.

Turning a corner he saw a man in robes. Jedi robes. On a whim he dumped out his glass and cast it aside. He had a feeling this man was important. He would follow him, see what was happening. It seemed escape was here.

[i]The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed[/i][url=http://lfgcomic.com/page/1]Interrogations are hard...[/url]

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Merlidan could have cursed herself as her the toe of her boot came into contact with an empty soda can. The telltale tink tink gave away her presence to the Jedi. He turned and seemed less than surprised.

“Why hello there,” he said pleasantly.

Merlidan gave a slight smile in greeting, anything more than that was seen as insincere and sarcastic by the general population of Balkest. “Are you on your way to the offices?” Merlidan asked as she pointed to the looming skull-white building at the end of the block.

“I’m on my way to see Trask Heyurk,” he replied simply.

“Ah,” Merlidan commented, “Well you’re heading in the right direction.”

The Jedi gave a cordial nod of acknowledgement.

Merlidan let out a sigh. “I’m on my way there too; I assume by your attire that you’re the Jedi sent to negotiate peace between the colonists here.”

Ostace seemed to take her opinions in stride and merely shook her hand in a firm yet positive grip. “I can already see that there is animosity in this region that will be… difficult to diffuse.”

“You have no idea,” Merlidan muttered as they continued their way to the office.

“So,” the Jedi started, “As a member of the general public, what do you see as the main contributing factors of this conflict?”

Merlidan raised a brow, so he was pumping her for information, how novel. “People come to new worlds looking for a new way of life, a fresh start, a dream of paradise. When things aren’t what they thought they’d be, well then people tend to get a little antsy.”

Merlidan paused for a moment and watched as the evening shadows turned darker with each moment. “Most of the human colonists threw in their lot to come out here. They have a substantial debt and if they did pack up and leave it’d just make it two or three fold higher. In essence a lot of colonists feel trapped here and lash out at those around them. The arrival of the Kubaz became and easy target for that anger.”

Ostace seemed to be mulling over what she had said. She could almost hear the cogs of his mind turning over the information she’d just revealed.

They arrived at the office entry and Merlidan almost jumped as Ostace spoke. “Do you think other factors could be involved, say the environment?”

Merlidan studied the Jedi’s face intently for a moment. His features divulged nothing of what he might be thinking. “It’s hard to say,” she told as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She felt awkward with her next words. “Over time I hadn’t notice the oppressive atmosphere, it was just constantly there. Yet when I came within a certain radius of your presence I felt a tranquility that had been lost to me for some time.”

The corner of Ostace’s lip twitched upward, “Interesting.”

Merlidan retrieved her access card and swiped it through the reader. She kept her head down, feeling somewhat embarrassed by her confession. The doors slid open and Merlidan led the way into the brightly lit foyer. “You’ll need to speak to Moyra, she’s at the Reception desk.”

Merlidan turned to leave but the Jedi caught her elbow with a large hand. “Thank you, Merlidan. I appreciate what you’ve told me.”

Merlidan flinched at his words. Moyra was no doubt listening and dying to relay whatever she perceived the gossip to be. “I need to get some work done,” Merlidan said as she slipped free and avoided eye contact with the Jedi. She had a payment to process.

BFFC ModeratorIt was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Pip eyed the guy with the interesting dress sense. His head was wrapped like a Tusken raiders but he wore the chest plates of a Mandalorian. Either the guy was well traveled or he simply didn’t have any dress sense.

Not that Pip was by any means a slave to fashion. The object of Pip’s interest was not party with the security detail as those guys were busy harassing a skinny Twi’lek waitress. Pip saw that the Tusken Mando was eyeing off someone in one of the booths.

Like a life-sized boulder, Pip placed himself between the Tusken Mando and his possible victim. “Hello friend,” Pip said as he gulped a mouth full of his brew.

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Merlidan made it to her office without any further distractions. As promised the invoice was awaiting her on her personal terminal. As the norm, Merlidan checked the invoice with the tender.

A frown lingered on her face as she called Drymes. “This invoice has an extra charge that we didn’t agree to.”

“Really?” Drymes replied with a touch of falseness to his voice.

“Yes it is asking for a danger payment of one thousand credits.” Merlidan said with annoyance, “Personally I don’t understand there being any danger in carting freighter replacement parts. They weren’t exactly travelling on unknown spacer lanes.”

“It’s probably a mistake, should I ask them?” Drymes replied.

“Hmph,” Merlidan replied, “I suggest you take a security detail with you and sweep their cargo hold. It sounds like they may have brought extra cargo of the illicit kind.”

Drymes voice sounded a little strained, “Oh I don’t think we need to go to those measures.”

Merlidan snorted and muted the comm, “You’re in on it, aren’t you scumbag?” Instead she said to him. “Fine I’ll come down there and check it myself.”

“Sure, that’ll be fine.” Drymes replied sounding less strained.

Merlidan ended the connection. “Why do I get the impression this is going to get nasty?” She opened her desk drawer and removed her blaster pistol and tucked it into the side of her boot, then shifted her pant leg into place to cover the slight bulge.

With a fast pace, Merlidan made it to the docks only to see Drymes talking rapidly on his comm..

BFFC ModeratorIt was like thousands of voices cried out for a sequel and were suddenly silenced...

Re: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

Name: BarulianSpecies: KubazGender: MaleAppearance: Doesn't look to be anything different from a normal KubazOccupation: He is the leader of the warrior drones for Hive Drenade.Brief History: Was born into Hive Drenade and was bred for the warrior drones. He was promoted leader when he saved the Queen from an assassination attempt. Now he has distanced himself from her as he views her methods of attaining peace are much too 'peaceful'. His idealogies for the Kubaz are quite atypical. He tends to shy away from the hidden warfare and is much more confrontational.Weapons: Various knives hidden around his person. His blaster isn't anything special.

Barulian stepped into the Queen's quarters in her hive and quickly bowed to one knee before abruptly standing.

"Tell me what happened Barulian." The sadness that seem to weigh in her voice was apparent even to Barulian.

"The Czerka miners somehow tunneled into the Northeast portion hive my Queen. We retaliated. We lost. Simple as that." Barulian paused as she took a deep breath and seemed to consider what happened and he continued on. "So shall I organize a counter-strike my Queen?"

"For the time being just leave them be."

"But my Queen! If you would only give me permission to mount a full force against them there we would sur-"

She cut him off with a wave of her hand. "No Barulian. I am trying to avoid a full scale war."

"Whether you like it or not my Queen, this will escalate. Once the humans have their hands in something they do not like to let go. How long is it before they fully enter the hive? Would you have them take the nurseries? Do you want the blood of the young on your hands?"

"Enough! I will not let it get to that. For now I need you to accompany me to the surface. We have to go to the human government to appeal on this. And I hear a Jedi is coming. Bring a small group of your men. We will meet this Jedi. But I warn you right now we will not let this become a war. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Barulian turned his eyes away. "Yes my Queen." He bowed once more and turned out of the room to go don his surface clothes. A jedi. The word seemed like a poison on his mouth. He wanted no human to control the Kubazian affairs. Things must be done. Changes must be made.

[i]Like I told your captain, the orphange attacked me. It was self-defense.[/i] -Richard the Warlock [url]http://archive.lfgcomic.com/lfg0002.gif[/url]